Florida Governor Rick Scott Declares State of Emergency

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott received a full update on Tropical Storm Emily at the State Emergency Operations Center. Governor Scott has been in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders who are also working to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Tropical Storm Emily. This morning, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-204 declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties within the state of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Emily. This state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need to prepare to respond to Tropical Storm Emily. There are currently no evacuation orders in effect.

Governor Scott said, “Floridians across the state woke up this morning to learn of a tropical system bearing down on our Gulf Coast. This morning, I heard from state and county emergency management officials and there are no unmet needs or evacuation orders at this time. With Tropical Storm Emily having made landfall in Manatee County and forecast to impact a large part of Florida with heavy rain and flooding, it is so important that families remain vigilant. Communities along the Gulf Coast could experience significant rainfall, flash flooding, tornadoes and damaging wind gusts. All Floridians should stay tuned to local weather alerts and get an emergency preparedness plan now at FloridaDisaster.org/GetAPlan.

“Our state agencies stand ready to respond to any local needs and are in constant communication with their local partners to ensure resources are available. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has a 250-person response team ready to deploy as needed to assist with road closures, direct traffic in the event of power outages and respond to any call for service as needed by local law enforcement agencies.

“I will remain in constant communication with our state and local emergency management officials, and local elected officials to ensure all needs are met. We are doing everything possible to keep Florida families and visitors safe and informed.”